The Classic Christmas Dinner Gordon Ramsay Cooks for His Family
The dishes are classics, but each has a subtle twist.
Gordon Ramsay's Christmas Dinner Menu
Appetizer: Spiced nuts and mulled wine
First Course: Pumpkin soup with sautéed mushrooms
Main Dish: Roast turkey with gravy
Sides: Sausage stuffing with apricots and pistachios, roasted potatoes, and Brussels sprouts with chestnuts
Dessert: Steamed pudding and mint chocolate truffles
If there’s anything I’ve learned from watching Gordon Ramsay, it’s that I want to be invited to his house for Christmas. While I love my dad’s glazed ham and my mom’s scalloped potatoes, I’d be open to having a place set at Ramsay’s table to experience an epic spread. From bacon-roasted turkey to caramelized cranberry sauce, I know that I’d leave with a full belly and a grateful heart.
Gordon Ramsay's Christmas Dinner Menu
You can’t have a dinner party without an appetizer, and Ramsay’s feast starts with something simple. In place of multiple appetizers, Ramsay offers spiced nuts. Not only is this an easy recipe for the host to execute, but it’s the perfect nibbling food to enjoy as guests arrive. The nuts are satisfying, but not so much that guests won’t be hungry for the main event.
Of course there are cocktails to go along with the spiced nuts, but Ramsay also serves his version of mulled wine. It’s a warm drink loaded with spices that’s perfect for winter holiday gatherings. He creates his own sachet of spices, but if you don’t have time for that, you can also buy pre-made mulling spice mixes.
The First Course
Once guests have settled in, it’s time to serve the first course. Ramsay’s pumpkin soup is a fun way to enjoy winter squash. He halves and seeds a whole pumpkin before roasting it with rosemary, garlic, and plenty of olive oil. He transfers the cooked pumpkin to a blender along with a “knob” of butter and purees it until it’s aerated and smooth. He serves it in a bowl with sauteed mushrooms and freshly shaved Parmesan cheese. It’s simple yet elegant—a perfect way to usher in the festive meal.
The Main and Sides
After the soup bowls have been cleared, it’s time for the showstoppers to arrive. Ramsay roasts a whole turkey with lemon, parsley, garlic, and butter and serves it with a gravy made from drippings, cider, and crushed walnuts.
Ramsay whips up a pork, apricot, and pistachio stuffing to enjoy alongside the bird as well as roasted potatoes with chili and turmeric. The final dish is pan-roasted brussels sprouts served with crispy pancetta and chestnuts, which add a touch of sweetness.
What Gordon Ramsay Serves for Dessert
No holiday meal is complete without a special dessert. Ramsay calls on his mother to help him create her very special version of steamed pudding and serves that with whiskey cream. One dessert is not enough though, so he also serves mint chocolate truffles, which were made with his kids’ help.
Bring Ramsay’s Holiday Meal to Your Table
Creating and cooking a holiday menu can be stressful. That’s why Ramsay suggests preparing as much ahead of time as you can. Menu items such as soup and mulled wine can easily be prepped and made one or two days in advance.
When it comes to planning the meal, he recommends keeping it balanced by adding light dishes to balance heavier ones. Your guests will appreciate the variety and the break from indulgent ingredients. Finally, don’t forget to utilize leftovers! They can be turned into delicious dishes for breakfast, brunch, and lunch the next few days. I may not get a seat at Ramsay’s table anytime soon, but I’ve got his menu, and I’m ready to spread some holiday cheer!
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